School of Social and Political Science

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Research

Research content

As a subject group we seek to maintain our international reputation in all aspects of the study of science, technology and innovation in society. We produce innovative and interdisciplinary research, public policy advice and consultancy on the socio-economic implications of technology and innovation, as well as the social and historical dimensions of issues such as: the history of science and medicine, information and communication technologies, life sciences, science and technology policy, international development, and the environment.

Research in science, technology and innovation studies is inherently interdisciplinary. The research activities of staff and research students in the subject group are organised through five main research clusters:


Research impact

Learn more about how the impact on society of STIS research here:
STIS Research impact examples

Research projects content

Research projects

Research projects links to content

Map of a plague outbreak in Vetlianka, a fishing village close to Astrakhan, Russia 1878-79, Source: Minkh, G. N. 1898. Chuma v Rossii (Vetlyanskaya Épidemiya 1878–1879gg.) [Plague in Russia (epidemic of Vetlianska 1878–1879)]. Kiev.)
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

A History of Epidemiological Reasoning

This project examines the history of epidemiology in the twentieth century. It asks how epidemiological knowledge has been produced, how it became powerful and who could speak in its name.
Molecule model
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

An Infrastructure for Platform Technology in Synthetic Biology

The aim of the project is to develop integrated platform technology and an infrastructure for synthetic biology.
Heart rate
Science, Technology and Innovation Studies

Animal Machine and Me

This research will undertake a sociological investigation into current practices of repairing the function and replacement of the human heart.
Patient on mobile phone

Bodies of Knowledge

This project explores how the internet has and is being used by patients, practitioners and researchers in relation to Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a proposed cause for the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
DNA

Business Models, Venture Capital and the Funding Gap in Regenerative Medicine

The Innogen Institute is providing recommendations on options for making public and private sector investments in regenerative medicine more attractive and profitable through the identification of alternative commercialisation models.
CeSeR logo

CeSeR

The Centre for Security Research (CeSeR) is an interdisciplinary centre that aims to promote and link diverse forms of security research across disciplines
clouds

Citizen Science Initiatives and Participatory Research

Looking into ways of raising the awareness of the potential that 'good' Citizen Science has for academics and policymakers alike.
Wind turbines

ClimateXChange

Developing an interdisciplinary understanding of international developments in energy markets, policies and regulations.
View of Edinburgh

Curious Edinburgh

Curious Edinburgh is on a mission to create mobile walking tours showing off Edinburgh's exceptional role in major scientific discoveries of the past five centuries across physics, geology and medicine.
Data & Football

Data & Football

A programme using mixed methods to map out expertise in the area of performance measurement at the intersection of data science, algorithmic culture, media and sport.

Pig farming

Diagnostic Innovation and Livestock (DIAL)

This project aims to demonstrate how improvements in diagnostics and treatment decisions can lead to better, more effective and sustainable applications of antibiotics in livestock farming in an international context.
globe with lights

Energy Pathways

The research will analyse pathways that meet current UK policy targets for reducing emissions.